What Makes a Church Big?

A big church seems to be the goal of many congregations. But I wonder if the term “big,” is limited too much to physicality, and not enough to spirituality.

‌Pastor Levi Hoffman spoke these words at the dedication of this building on June 10, 1951. He said: “

‌“Speaking about the material structure, this is a big church. When is a church big? A church is big when God is at the center of her life. A church is big when her members are dominated by the spirit of Christlikeness. A church is big when the flame of compassion and concern for all who need her redemptive ministry burns upon the heart altars of her members. A church is big when her members pass through open doors for prayer, for worship, for dedication; seeking divine instruction and receiving a divine commission. A church is big when her members, while worshipping, feel it is good to be here, and still feel coerced to go forth to serve in His Vineyard, under the influence of Him who said: “And lo, I am with you always.” (Levi S. Hoffman, “The Dedication Sermon,” Schwenkfeldian, July 1951)

Rev. Hoffman applies the term “big” to the spirituality of the congregation. I appreciate that.

When I came to this congregation many years ago, I was told by my colleague, Dr. Drake Williams: “We must be responsible for the depth of our ministry; God will be responsible for its breadth.” I agree whole-heartedly.

‌There are many church structures in Europe that no longer house working, viable congregations. Their enormous buildings take up a lot of space in the skyline, but inside are museums or skateboard parks, not the place where the Bible is taught, people are encouraged and Christians are trained for ministry.

‌​Ephesians 4:11–12 in the English Standard Version reads:

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ….”

‌Our building at Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania must be a place where the saints are equipped for ministry, and the people are built up.

‌Nevertheless, in 2016, our beloved building seemed tired. There was an accumulation of things and some spaces used more for storage than ministry. New carpet and paint were not enough. Many felt that we needed a renovation which would include the following:

‌And so a committee came together, did their homework and oversaw a tremendous renovation project that we could not be more proud of. It was not easy. And it took a while. But the Lord was good. And here we are.

‌And now we are in the middle of another campaign- this time a prayer-evangelism one, designed to introduce people to our God who cares and acts.

‌We want to be a church were truth and love are found. We want to honor God and make His glory known as Psalm 96:3 says:

‌”Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”

Our most exciting and effective years are ahead of us. But I have my questions.

• ‌Who will come to faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized?
• ‌Who will serve in leadership?
• ‌Who will be called into missions?
• ‌Who will sense God’s drawing into full time ministry?
• ‌Who will the future pastors be of this congregation?
• ‌What impact will God enable us to make in this community?

‌I invite you to join in these efforts with prayer, a willingness to serve with enthusiasm, and to share in the responsibility for the ministry. I like what was published on the backside of a church bulletin which stated:

‌“We have a few pastors, but a whole congregation of ministers.”

‌You need the church and the church needs you. It will take all of us to declare the Lord’s glory to the extent He deserves. Let us lift the name of Jesus, our King. Let each of us dedicate ourselves for this purpose. Amen.

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